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Resolved Question

How many Watts do i need

Nov 15, 2013 12:41AM PST

Hello everyone.When it comes to hardware I am a total noob.So I need your assistance.I am gonna buy a new graphics card pretty soon and a new PSU.Now, according to a manual of some short this graphic card that i am going to buy has a power need of 600 watt minimum.I have a 450w PSU right now so I am definitly getting a new one with a biger watt number.The problem is I do not know how many watts i need and i dont have a clue about how a PSU works.I decided a couple of days ago that i would get a 650 watt one but I then figgured that if my graphics card drains 600 out of 650 watts i wont have enough power for the rest of my hardware.But then again maybe PSU do not work like that and i am an idiot?anyways plz help me out.For how many watts should i be looking for.

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ironmaidenas has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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It's more complicated than that.
Nov 15, 2013 12:49AM PST

When I want this to work for years I find a review on the card that includes the idle/full load draw for the card in question and use that to see what Amperes it may pull on the +12 rail. Now that I know that I want to add double that to my new PSU because the PSU does age and lose capacity.

Think of this like your car. Sure it can go 120 MPH but at 100 it's working very hard like the 600 out of 650 Watt load. It won't last long.

I find it rare to actually read 600 Watts on a Watt meter today. What is this card?
Bob

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a small correction
Nov 15, 2013 2:21AM PST
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Sorry
Nov 15, 2013 2:24AM PST

sorry again for the mistake i meant N670

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So 30A and a 500W PSU minimum?
Nov 15, 2013 2:34AM PST
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Thanks
Nov 15, 2013 2:36AM PST

Thanks a lot mate.You really helped me out.

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Answer
Basics
Nov 15, 2013 1:58AM PST

If your new video card is clearly stating it needs 600W to operate then don't skimp on those needs. I suggest at least 700W PSU of a decent name brand with ample amps spread acoss its leads. That in turn often makes for use of "single rail" design that allows the full available wattage be present and/or easier to balance the load. Also, the connection leads will need to be the type you require for your PSu as well. In most cases that's a given but it pays to check. As already stated to you any PSu will start to degrade and generally speaking I like to use the rule of thumb that 75% of the labeled rating will be present. This in turn is offered by better PSUs to have the 80+ rating, so look for it. Visit the video card support website and review exactly what is expected. On top of all this make darn sure your PC is well cooled to lessen "heat stress" to maintain a good operation for the PSU to work in, it really matters.

tada ------Willy Happy